Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude

Social Justice

Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

I Ain't One to Gossip, but Word on the Street Is That the Celtics and Raptors Might Boycott Their Game on Thursday

Since the NBA resumed play in July, we’ve seen protests, demonstrations and players have been extremely vocal about a multitude of issues that impact our communities. But one thing we haven’t seen is players outright refuse to play games in the name of social justice. And with tensions boiling after 29-year-old Jacob Blake was ruthlessly…

By

Jay Connor

Published

August 26, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Angela Davis and Ava DuVernay Discuss America's 'Racial Reckoning' for Vanity Fair Digital Cover Story

Angela Davis has been fighting the good fight for more than 50 years, working as a social justice activist and scholar. Now, she is featured on the cover of Vanity Fair’s September 2020 digital issue, and in a conversation with 13th and When They See Us director Ava DuVernay, she speaks on this year’s “racial…

By

J'na Jefferson

Published

August 26, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Tune In: Queen Latifah to Host Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today on Facebook Watch

This year, the March on Washington will take place on Aug. 28 and Facebook Watch is teaming up with Will Packer and Jesse Collins Entertainment to premiere a one-hour special to recognize the 57th anniversary of the historic 1963 event. Hosted by Queen Latifah as part of Facebook’s #LiftBlackVoices initiative, Change Together: From the March…

By

Tonja Renée Stidhum

Published

August 25, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

LeBron James, Cardi B, Michael B. Jordan and Others Express Outrage Over Shooting of Jacob Blake

The shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake at the hands of police in Kenosha, Wis., on Sunday has sparked national outrage. In a video of the incident that has been widely circulated, the unarmed Black man—who reportedly was there to break up a fight—was walking back to his vehicle while being followed by police. While he…

By

J'na Jefferson

Published

August 25, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Pharrell Williams Curates TIME's Latest Cover Project, Featuring Conversations Between Leaders of 'The New American Revolution'

Pharrell Williams curated the latest TIME cover and project, which features a collection of essays and conversations between Black leaders of “The New American Revolution,” such as Angela Davis, Kenya Barris, Yara Shahidi and more. The cover for this issue was done by 23-year-old artist Nneka Jones and features an unfinished American flag. In a…

By

J'na Jefferson

Published

August 20, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Billy Porter Closes Out Night 1 of the Democratic National Convention With 'For What It's Worth'

Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning actor and singer Billy Porter closed out Night One of the Democratic National Convention with his rendition of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” likely better known as “Stop, Hey, What’s That Sound?” Porter’s rendition was released in June. In the pre-recorded video played at Monday’s DNC, Porter, wearing a…

By

J'na Jefferson

Published

August 18, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

70 Percent of Sports Fans Support Social Justice Stances Made By Players, Teams. That Number Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

In an interview with Sports Illustrated that was published on Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the public’s response to the league’s new-found commitment to social justice. “I understand critics who say that they turn to sports to avoid controversy,” he said. “But it’s unavoidable at this moment in time in our country. I wish…

By

Jay Connor

Published

August 14, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Tessa Thompson on Acting and Activism: 'If There’s a Risk in Speaking Up, It’s Always Felt Worth It'

Outside of being one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses, Tessa Thompson is an advocate for Black lives and social justice. The Creed star tells Porter magazine in a new cover story that she hopes to continue to use her platform to bring awareness to the larger issues occurring in the industry and throughout the country.…

By

J'na Jefferson

Published

August 11, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Newly Launched NBA Foundation to Invest $300 Million Into Empowering the Black Community

In a recent interview with The Root, ESPN analyst Jay Williams noted that while increased awareness around social justice issues is important, he’s far more concerned with the NBA’s interest in that subsequent action. “If my family was safe and I have the biggest platform in the world to delineate my message on a day-to-day…

By

Jay Connor

Published

August 6, 2020
Criminal Justice, News, Social Justice

Doc Rivers Draws Parallels Between NBA Players Taking a Knee During the National Anthem, the Death of George Floyd

Following a 103-101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers drew parallels between his team deciding to take a knee during the national anthem and the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. “How long do you think the national anthem lasted?” he asked…

By

Jay Connor

Published

July 31, 2020